Google Debuts New Internet Information Kiosks in London

Google has partnered with the London office of digital and interactive marketing agency R/GA to debut new internet information kiosks, a pilot project it is calling Google Outside. The 160 kiosks debuted this week and utilize Google Now technology to give users weather forecast information, as well as nearby activities, based on the time of day, weather conditions, and other factors.

“A Google spokesperson told The Drum: ‘We are currently testing a new way of helping users get the most out of London, as we want people to enjoy Google wherever they are. The Google search app has so many great features that people can use outdoors, and we thought various spots in London would be give people a chance to experience it for a while.'”

The 160 kiosks are at various locations around London, including 100 bus shelters and 60 tube (subway) stations. The information displayed can be individualized, depending on how they use the kiosk and what they are looking for. Google Outside also works with tube schedules to offer alternatives to travelers who have a delayed train.

If the pilot program is a success, we can hope that these information kiosks, which were designed to help tourists by offering more information about city events and hotspots, will be expanded all across other major cities across Europe and the United States.

Search Engine Journal received permission from The Drum to use its picture and quote for this story.